With the New Year around the corner, people may be making resolutions to get fit and lose weight. New Mexico yoga classes may sound attractive, but if people are just joining, they may become self-conscious about whether they're performing the exercises the right way.
Fear not – it's normal not to take to a new exercise like a duck to water. But for people who are curious, health guru Jenny Sugar of FitSugar offers her advice on six common mistakes of yoga practitioners.
1. Each movement has a different breath pattern to it, so don't forget to be conscious of how your breathing corresponds to how you're moving.
2. Proper breathing will expand the rib cage and not the belly. To keep your abs engaged and protect your lower back, draw your navel toward your spine as you inhale.
3. Don't clench muscles unnecessary for certain movements.
4. Don't push yourself until your muscles hurt.
5. If you're unsure whether you're posing correctly, ask your teacher, but don't break focus by checking out everyone else.
6. Don't wear socks while performing yoga. Bare feet will make you feel more grounded on your mat.
And for the sake of good health – have fun! You're in good company – a survey published in the Yoga Journal found that 15.8 million Americans practiced yoga as of 2008.
